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About Eugene weekly. (Eugene, Oregon) 1993-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 9, 2012)
letters TO THE EDITOR SUPPORT FOR NURSES I’m one of the fi ve Lane County commissioners. The county and the nurses who work at the county have been trying to negotiate a labor agreement for some time. According to media reports, these negotiations have centered around both wages and benefi ts, and it’s clear that reducing benefi t levels to the nurses will affect their total compensation. I do not support reducing the total compensation levels of Lane County nurses According to media reports, a negotia- tion session was set for Thursday, Jan. 26, but it was canceled by the county side. I hope that negotiations will continue so there is no disruption to services needed in this community. I’m glad that the county government is providing information to the nurses about how the health-care plan changes could affect them and their fami- lies. I am hopeful that this information will help both sides reach a mutual understand- ing about the impact, which will provide a basis for an agreement. Everyone in Lane County knows or should know that these nurses are the cor- nerstone of community wellness. They could make more money elsewhere but they choose work to serve the commu- nity. The nurses at the Community Health Centers of Lane County actually bring in badly needed revenue. It is extremely im- portant to Lane County residents, whether they live in cities or outside of cities, that the county government and the nurses con- tinue bargaining and reach an agreement. cannot remember this many rate increases. Lambe will be gone, hopefully soon, before he can do much more damage. But who will clean up this mess for the people? Lambe gets an estimated $180,000 per year to manage and make sure that the utility follows the law. An ethics complaint was fi led in 2011 against Lambe. There was documentation of open meetings law violations and money being spent without board approval. The State Ethics Commission indicated that Lambe was not in their jurisdiction. Later in another State Ethics Commission complaint their investigator found violations of open meetings laws while he was manager. I use to think we had a democracy in this country. Now it is looking like hypocrisy. Those with power bend the rules to meet their desires and the people pay. The people built Emerald. I believe the 20,000 ratepayers can unite and fi x this situation. The sooner the better! Ron Davis Cottage Grove These clinics and services must continue without interruption. I want Lane County government to bargain in good faith, as Oregon law requires. I support the nurses. I won’t support bringing in replacement workers for our nurses. These dedicated public employees deserve our support. For far too long, public employees have been vilifi ed. It’s time for that to stop. Pete Sorenson Lane County Commissioner LEGACY OF LAMBE I wonder what the “people” will say when Frank Lambe leaves Emerald PUD at the end of the year with unbelievable lia- bilities. The ratepayers should be aware that he recommends raising rates 4 percent this coming year and an increase of the monthly basic rate 20 percent, from $10 to $12 per month. In addition, the 10 year forecast in the proposed 2012 budget calls for rate increases seven out of the next 10 years? During the 13 years I served on the board I MORE POOL THANKS Thank you Leni Bader of Eugene (letters, 2/2) for letting us know about the $25,000 donation for Tamarack Pool. I am a caregiver and we go twice a week and I see all the disabled people with smiles on their faces. I thank you, anonymous donor, and bless you. Sherry Brunson Oakridge NATURAL FOODS A Traditional Natural Food Store Since 1971 ERIC SKINNER 6/09/65 - 2/02/12 ❤ eugenesfavoriteflorist.com Best Flowers Best Prices Largest Selection of Asian Groceries Seaweed, rice, noodles, frozen products, deli, snacks, drinks, sauces, spices, produce, housewares, and more. We carry groceries from Holland, India, Pakistan and Polynesia Sushi & Asian deli take-out SHOPPING CENTER 29TH AVENUE 5th St. Market 541-485-4659 Delta Oaks Mkt. of Ch. 541-344-9998 24th & Hilyard 541-485-0985 4 FEBRUARY 9, 2012 EUGENE WEEKLY 5 OAK STREET WoodÀ eld Station WILLAMETTE STREET Roses ❤ Orchids ❤ Lilies Romantic Designs Delivery, Click or Call us. Asian Food Market Eric was a Sundance employee who dedicated over 18 years of his life to the natural foods movement. From May of 1989 to July of 2007 he worked in many capacities, eventually becoming our grocery manager. Eric was well known for his warmth and laid back style, a quick and easy going smile and his guitar playing virtuosity. Sunrise www.sunriseasianfood.com M-Th 9am-7pm•F 9am-8pm•Sa 9am-7pm•Su 10am-6pm 70 W. 29th Ave. Eugene • 541-343-3295 ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11TH ALL PROCEEDS FROM THE GROCERY STORE WILL BE DONATED TO ERIC’S FAMILY. Please also consider making a contribution to the Eric Skinner Memorial Fund, which has been set up at Oregon Community Credit Union for Eric’s wife and children. Local merchants, the heart of our community WK +LO\DUGRSHQDPSPGDLO\ WWW.EUGENEWEEKLY.COM • BLOGS.EUGENEWEEKLY.COM
